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The holidays are a time for many things, but above all, it’s a time for family. I am fortunate to be spending another Christmas with those I love. On Christmas Eve, we host a big family dinner and on Christmas Day my wife Donna and I go house to house handing out presents to our grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We love it.

Communities, just like families, share bonds and traditions. Marriott International encourages our properties and associates to be as involved as they can where we do business. The commitment to helping others has always been core or our culture and has already helped us make a difference for one special family this holiday season.

The Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless in Laytonsville, Maryland, gives shelter and support to homeless men, women, and veterans. Just before Thanksgiving, we received a call that one of their clients found out she would have her two sons with her for the holiday. The adult-only shelter was unable to accommodate the children, so they turned to Marriott for help.

Our Area Sales Leader for Montgomery County, Leslie Portella, coordinated with the SpringHill Suites Gaithersburg, who arranged for the mother and her children to stay in a fantastic room from Wednesday through Sunday of the holiday weekend.

Knowing we made a difference for a family is a great feeling. It goes to show that no gesture is too big or too small to have an impact.

I have always believed there is nothing more important than family, and at Marriott, we proudly take care of our own – whether it’s our associates, guests, or the communities in which we operate. This is something we have valued for the past 90 years.

From my family to yours, we’d like to wish you a happy holiday season and a healthy new year.

I’m Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the move.